Management of vaginal laxity through bilateral wall tightening without mucosal excision.

BACKGROUND: Vaginal tightening or vaginoplasty has been gaining popularity, while validated methods of evaluation and treatment are still lacking. Herein, we describe a bilateral wall tightening technique for vaginal laxity and evaluate the feasibility of this method. METHODS: From April 2020 to September 2021, 25 women with vaginal laxity underwent vaginal tightening, and 22 women were included in this retrospective observational study. The inclusion criteria were as follows: participants with at least one delivery and reported vaginal laxity, but without a history of underlying diseases. Vaginal pressure tests and questionnaires were used to evaluate vaginal laxity and sexual quality before and 6 months after the surgery. RESULTS: The study included 22 women (aged 29-46 years), and the follow-up period was 14.1 ± 3.3 months. The score based on the vaginal laxity questionnaire was improved as a result of surgery (preoperative median: 2.00, interquartile range [IQR]: 1.00-2.00; postoperative median: 5.00, IQR: 5.00-6.25, p < 0.001). The vaginal pressure increased from 2.3 ± 1.8 mm/Hg to 21.4 ± 3.7 mm/Hg. Sexual distress changed from 24.2 ± 8.9-16.1 ± 4.8 after surgery (p < 0.001), and sexual dysfunction with an average score of 20.1 ± 10.6 before surgery improved after the procedure (26.0 ± 10.8, p < 0.001). Women also reported improved scores in desire, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction. In addition, there were no intraoperative complications or significant events during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral vaginal tightening without mucosal excision is a feasible and effective surgical approach for the management of vaginal laxity.

Female Sexual Function Following Radical Cystectomy in Bladder Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: A clear and well-documented gender bias exists in the evaluation of sexual outcomes for women undergoing urologic surgery. Due to the anatomic template of anterior exenteration, women are commonly left with side effects that include sexual dysfunction and the perpetuated effects of surgical menopause. OBJECTIVES: To present evaluation and treatment recommendations for female sexual dysfunction treatment and evaluation, in addition to surgical templates during radical cystectomy (RC). METHODS: This article reviews current literature regarding sexual function and RC with urinary diversion in female bladder cancer patients. Furthermore, this review will provide a review of techniques for organ and neurovascular preservation, along with novel vaginal reconstruction templates. Our review will further focus on emerging technology, including minimally invasive surgery and organ and nerve preservation, directed at preservation of female sexual function. RESULTS: Clinically, studies have demonstrated that females who have undergone genitalia-sparing and neurovascular preservation during RC regained sexual activity earlier than patients undergoing traditional RC. If organ and nerve preservation is not feasible due to involvement of trigone or bladder neck, vaginal reconstruction can mitigate the sexual dysfunction that results from a loss of the anterior vagina during a standard RC. CONCLUSION: Female sexual dysfunction is associated with high levels of patient distress and is best comanaged with a multidisciplinary treatment approach, including preoperative counseling, intraoperative nerve, and organ preservation, and postoperative interventions to mitigate sexual side effects. Davis L, Isali I, Prunty M, et al. Female Sexual Function Following Radical Cystectomy in Bladder Cancer. Sex Med Rev 2022;10:231-239.

Update on the Medical and Surgical Management of Urethral Condyloma.

INTRODUCTION: Condyloma acuminata (CA) of the urethra presents a management challenge due to high recurrence rates, difficulty in accessing urethral lesions, risk of stricture formation, and potential for sexual dysfunction. While standard treatment modalities are acceptable for some external genital condyloma, they are not always feasible or appropriate for urethral lesions. OBJECTIVES: We sought to review the literature on epidemiology, presentation, diagnosis and treatment of urothelial CA with a focus on surgical treatment options. METHODS: We performed a comprehensive literature search of PubMed to identify all studies pertaining to urethral CA through November 2020. RESULTS: Urethral CA is a relatively rare, but challenging disease to manage with a considerable amount of treatment side effects and downstream morbidity associated. In our comprehensive review we have found a wide selection of treatment modalities ranging from minimally invasive strategies to surgical reconstructive techniques. Proper follow-up to monitor for disease recurrence at the 3-4 month mark is appropriate and will determine subsequent treatment strategies as needed. Future studies and treatment directions include novel drug delivery models to optimize minimally invasive topical drug efficacy. CONCLUSION: Treatment of urethral CA should be approached in a step-wise fashion. Medical therapy would be an appropriate option for asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic patients with small lesions who desire to avoid any interventions. If patient is symptomatic, has extensive disease burden or has failed medical therapy intervention should be considered with options including PDT, laser ablation or surgical excision with or without urethral reconstruction. Appropriate selection depends on patient characteristics and preferences along with prior treatment history. Kim CJ, Campbell SP, Allkanjari A, et al. Update on the Medical and Surgical Management of Urethral Condyloma. Sex Med Rev 2022;238-252.

Is pudendal nerve entrapment a potential cause for weak ejaculation?

Ejaculatory dysfunction is one of the most common complaints of patients with sexual disorders. While it encompasses several ejaculatory disorders, weak ejaculation is seldom described in the literature. Since the pudendal nerve is the main nerve of ejaculation, we aim to hypothesize that pudendal nerve entrapment could be a cause of weak ejaculation, and that pudendal nerve release could contribute to the improvement of the ejaculatory stream. We presented two cases suffering from a weak ejaculatory stream and sensation of incomplete semen emptying, accompanied with clinical features of pudendal nerve entrapment. Both cases improved after pudendal nerve block and then laparoscopic transperitoneal pudendal release, with a sustained amelioration of the ejaculatory stream after 3 weeks of surgery. Pudendal canal entrapment is therefore a potentially curable cause for weak ejaculation.

Female Sexual Function following Sling Surgery: A Prospective Parallel Cohort, Multi-Center Study of the Solyx™ Single Incision Sling System versus the Obtryx™ II Sling System.

PURPOSE: Limited data exist regarding sexual function after single incision sling (SIS) surgery. We compared sexual function 36 months postoperatively between patients undergoing SIS and transobturator sling (TMUS) for treatment of stress urinary incontinence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Assessment of sexual function was a planned secondary objective of this prospective, multi-center study that enrolled women to Solyx SIS or Obtryx II TMUS. The primary study aim was to compare efficacy and safety using non-inferiority design at 36 months. Patient-reported outcomes of sexual function were assessed at baseline and 6, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months using Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12). Changes in sexual function were analyzed within and between groups. Outcomes for patients requiring surgical retreatment were determined. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were balanced using propensity score stratification (N=141 SIS, N=140 TMUS). Groups were similar in age, body mass index and concomitant surgery performed. Average length of followup was 30 months. Baseline sexual activity was similar (123/141 SIS, 114/140 TMUS, p=0.18). Severity of urinary incontinence did not correlate with baseline sexual activity. Mean PISQ-12 scores increased significantly from baseline to 36 months for both groups, indicating better sexual function at each visit. There were no significant differences in PISQ-12 scores between groups except at 36 months, where the difference was small (-2.5, 95% CI [-4.7, 0.2]). Among patients undergoing surgical retreatment (9/281, 3%), improvement in sexual function was maintained. De novo dyspareunia was rare following both treatments (SIS 1/141, TMUS 0/140, p=1.00). CONCLUSIONS: Patients have significant improvement in sexual function after SIS and TMUS. De novo sexual pain is low after sling surgery.

Early surgical repair or conservative treatment? Comparing patients with penile fracture concerning long-term sexual functions.

BACKGROUND: To compare the patients who underwent early surgical repair of penile fracture, which is one of the urological emergencies, and patients who recovered with conservative treatment concerning long-term sexual functions. METHODS: The data of 42 patients who applied to our clinic with penile fracture between January 2010 and January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were categorized into two groups as early operated and followed-up conservatively. The preoperative and postoperative findings of the patients were compared with the International Erectile Function Scale (IIEF-6) scores in the long-term follow-up. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 35 (20-65) years and the median follow-up period was 52 (8-120) months. The postoperative mean IIEF-6 score of the patients was 22.98±6.52. There was no significant difference between the surgical and the conservative groups concerning postoperative complications (p=0.460). In the follow-up period, the presence of palpable plaque on the rupture area was significantly higher in the conservative group (p=0.041). However, there was no significant difference between the groups concerning IIEF-6 scores (p=0.085). CONCLUSION: Although there is no significant difference in long-term IIEF-6 scores between the two groups, the rate of palpable plaque formation is higher in patients followed-up conservatively. Therefore, early surgical repair should be considered in the foreground, especially in patients with a large rupture area.

CO2 laser and the genitourinary syndrome of menopause: a randomized sham-controlled trial.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to clarify the efficacy of intravaginal CO2-laser treatment in postmenopausal women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial included postmenopausal women diagnosed with GSM and bothersome dryness and dyspareunia. Treatment consisted of three sessions. Active CO2-laser treatments (active group) were compared to sham treatments (sham group) with the primary endpoints being changes in dryness and dyspareunia intensity, as assessed by the 10-cm visual analog scale. Secondary endpoints were as follows: changes in Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI; total score and all domains), itching, burning, dysuria, and Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6); incidence of symptoms; and presence of adverse events. All outcomes were evaluated at baseline and 4 months post baseline. RESULTS: Fifty-eight women (28 in the active group and 30 in the sham group) were eligible for inclusion. In the active group, dryness, dyspareunia, FSFI (total score), itching, burning, dysuria, and UDI-6 were significantly improved (mean [standard deviation] -5.6 [2.8], -6 [2.6], 12.3 [8.9], -2.9 [2.8], -2.3 [2.8], -0.9 [2.1], and -8.0 [15.3], respectively). In the sham group, dryness, itching, and burning were significantly improved (-1.9 [2], -1.4 [1.9], and -1 [1.9], respectively). All changes were in favor of the active group. After completion of the protocol, the proportion of participants with dryness, dyspareunia, and sexual dysfunction was significantly lower in the active group compared to those in the sham group (all p < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: CO2 laser could be proposed as an effective alternative treatment for the management of GSM as it is superior to sham treatments.

Surgical treatment of clitoral phimosis.

The clitoris has a crucial role in the feminine pleasure. Chronic inflammatory dermatosis along with post-menopausal atrophy of the vulva and obstetrical traumas can cause clitoral phimosis, thereby compromising its function. Medical treatments exist depending on the etiology, but when irreversible scarring occur, a surgical treatment can be necessary to regain its function. We present here our surgical technique that achieves excellent functional results with low morbidity and the outcome of our patients in order to improve this sexual dysfunction.

Diagnosis and treatment of müllerian malformations.

Anomalies in the müllerian ducts are congenital alterations with more prevalence than it is imagined, varying from 0.5 to 6.7% in the general population and up to 16.7% in women with recurrent miscarriage. The main findings are primary amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, endometriosis, sexual difficulties and low self-esteem. The major impact on the quality of life in women stricken by these problems justifies this study, whose objective is to analyze their most important aspects such as etiopathogeny, classification, diagnostic methods and proposed treatments. The research was performed on the Medline-PubMed database from 1904 to 2018. The American Fertility Society, European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, and the European Society of Gynaecological Endoscopy classify malformations as: Class 1/U5bC4V4: agenesis or hypoplasia of uterus and vagina; Class 1/U5aC4V4: cervical hypoplasia, associated with total or partial vaginal agenesis; Class 2/U4: unicornuate uterus; Class 3/U3bC2V1 or Class3/U3bC2V2: uterus didelphys; Class 4/U3C0: bicornuate uterus; Class 5/U2: septate uterus; Class 6: arcuate uterus; Class 7/U1: induced by diethylstilbestrol, represented by a T-shaped uterus; and V3: transverse vaginal septum. The diagnostic methods are the two-dimensional or three-dimensional ultrasound, MRI, hysterosalpingo-contrast-sonography, X-ray hysterosalpingography, hysteroscopy and laparoscopy. Some müllerian malformations are healed with surgery and/or self-dilatation. For vaginal agenesis, dilatation by Frank technique shows good results while malformations with obstruction of the menstrual flow need to be rapidly treated by surgery.

Total hip arthroplasty and sexual activity: a systematic review.

Hip discomfort due to degenerative pathologies causes limitations in the everyday activities of patients, including sexual activity. To address such limitations, patients are usually treated with total hip arthroplasty (THA). The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the success of this surgical procedure to ameliorate sexual activity of patients. We performed a comprehensive research of four electronic databases for articles pertaining to the benefits of THA on sexual activity. Exclusion criteria included articles not in English. The search initially yielded 34 articles. Two authors subsequently read all abstracts and excluded all studies unrelated to the topic, leaving 16 articles for further evaluation. Sixteen articles filtered by orthopaedic departments were included in this review. A total of 2391 patients were considered. Pre- and postoperative reports on sexual concerns have been evaluated and compared. The current literature suggests that sexual life is improved after THA. Patient education regarding postoperative expectations and resumption of sexual activity is severely lacking and the majority of surgeons offer little or no information on the subject. Specifically designed studies on the subject are required to evaluate the effects of surgery and approaches on postoperative restrictions.

Neurolysis of the Dorsal Nerve to the Penis to Restore Function After Trauma.

BACKGROUND: Loss of penile sensation or development of a painful penis and erectile dysfunction can occur after injury to the dorsal branch of the pudendal nerve. Although recovery of genital sensibility has been discussed frequently in transmen, this subject has been reported rarely in cismen. The purpose of this report is to review our experience with recovery of sensation in men after decompression of the dorsal branch of the pudendal nerve after trauma. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of men who have had decompression of the dorsal branch of the pudendal nerve was carried out from 2014 to 2018. Patients were included in the cohort if they had a loss of penile sensation or the development of a painful penis after trauma. Primary outcomes measured were the change in penile symptoms, including erection, ejaculation, ejaculatory pain, erogenous sensation, numbness, and penile pain. RESULTS: For the 7 men included in this study, the mean follow-up time was 57 weeks (range, 28-85 weeks). Bilateral surgery was done in 71% (5/7). Of the 6 patients with loss of penile sensation, complete recovery of erogenous sensibility occurred in 5 (83%) patients, with partial relief in 1 (17%) patient. Of the 3 men who had erectile dysfunction, normal erections were restored in 2 (67%) patients. Of the 2 patients unable to ejaculate, 1 (50%) patient regained ejaculatory function. Of the 4 patients with ejaculatory pain, complete relief of pain occurred in 2 (50%) patients, with partial relief in 2 (50%) patients. Of the 6 patients with penile pain in the absence of ejaculation, complete relief of pain occurred in 3 (50%) patients, with partial relief in 3 (50%) patients. CONCLUSION: Neurolysis of the dorsal nerve to the penis at the inferior pubic ramus canal can be successful in relieving pain, and restoring sensation and erectile function in men who sustained an injury along the inferior pubic ramus.

Changes in Sexual Function Following Uphold Transvaginal mesh Surgery for the Treatment of Urogenital Prolapse.

Uphold transvaginal mesh implantation is an option for treating pelvic organ prolapse (POP). This prospective cohort study aims to evaluate the effect of Uphold transvaginal mesh implantation on female sexual function. 205 women with symptomatic POP were recruited and evaluated pre-operatively and re- evaluated six months post-operatively in terms of anatomical restoration, quality of life influenced by urinary incontinence and female sexual function. 30 women eventually completed the assessments and been statistically evaluated. The main outcome focused on sexual function. In our study, we found that Uphold transvaginal mesh surgery could achieve effective anatomical restoration of POP and better sexual function regardless of concomitant sling surgery.

[Short-term efficacy of vaginal CO2 laser therapy as a treatment modality for genitourinary syndrome of menopause]. / A hüvelyi CO2-lézer-kezelés rövid távú hatásai a menopausalis genitourinalis szindróma tüneteire.

Introduction: Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) affects up to 40-57% of postmenopausal women. Intravaginal microablative fractional CO2 laser is a new proposal for the management of GSM, although the evidence of safety and efficacy of the procedure appears to be insufficient. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of fractional CO2 laser for the treatment of GSM at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the University of Debrecen. Method: Postmenopausal women with symptoms of GSM underwent three sessions of microablative fractional rejuvenation CO2 laser therapy at 4-6 weeks intervals. Vaginal health index (VHI) scores were completed before each treatment and at 6 weeks follow-up as an objective measurement and visual analog scale was used to assess subjective complaints. Statistical analysis included Student's paired two-sampling t-test for the measure of statistical significance using the standard cutoff for significance p<0.05. Results: 51 women participated (mean age 57.0 ± 9.9 y). Average VHI score was 14.0 ± 4.9 before treatment, 15.0 ± 4.7 after the first session, 18.2 ± 4.6 after the second treatment and 19.5 ± 4.9 at follow-up. The improvement of VHI score was statistically significant between all sessions. Average VAS score was 15.6 ± 14.1 before treatment, 9.0 ± 10.8 after the first session, 5.9 ± 9.2 after the second treatment and 3.4 ± 7.5 at follow-up. The improvement of VAS score was statistically also significant between all sessions. Conclusions: Our study suggests that the fractional CO2 laser is an effective and safe treatment of symptoms associated with GSM. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(41): 1617-1622.

The effect of vaginal erbium laser treatment on sexual function and vaginal health in women with a history of breast cancer and symptoms of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of vaginal erbium laser treatment on the vaginal health and sexual function of postmenopausal women with a history of breast cancer. METHODS: An open, prospective, therapeutic intervention study was conducted with 24 postmenopausal women with a history of breast cancer and vaginal dryness, and/or dyspareunia, who had not used vaginal hormone therapy for at least 6 months. The women were treated using a 2,940-nm Erbium: YAG laser (Etherea-MX, Athena, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil), with 90 and 360 scanning scopes, between August, 2017 and October, 2017 in a private clinic in a city of southeastern Brazil. Vaginal erbium laser treatment was performed at three sessions with a 30-day interval between each session. Sexual function was assessed before and 1 month after treatment using the Short Personal Experiences Questionnaire. Questions related to genitourinary symptoms were also applied. Vaginal health was assessed before each laser session using the Vaginal Health Index Score. RESULTS: Mean age was 53.7 years. Vaginal health improved, as shown by an increased overall score (P < 0.001). The effect size was large between pretreatment and post-treatment scores for vaginal elasticity, fluid volume, epithelial integrity, and moisture. The effect size was also significant for the overall sexual function score and for the score in the dyspareunia domain between pretreatment and 1 month after the final treatment session. CONCLUSION: Vaginal erbium laser may represent a novel therapeutic option for improving vaginal health and sexual function in postmenopausal women with a history of breast cancer.

Vaginal CO2 laser for the treatment of vulvovaginal atrophy in women with breast cancer: LAAVA pilot study.

PURPOSE: Vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) is a commonly reported issue among breast cancer patients, and its aetiology is multifactorial. Treatment is difficult in these women, particularly because the use of oestrogens has traditionally been discouraged. Vaginal laser treatment has been reported to improve symptoms. We aimed to assess the impact on symptoms and sexual function of vaginal laser in women with early breast cancer (EBC). METHODS: We performed a single-arm investigator initiated pilot study of female EBC patients with symptomatic VVA. A total of 3 vaginal laser treatments were administered 4 weeks apart. Questionnaires were completed at baseline, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Our primary endpoint was symptomatic improvement of VVA at 12 weeks on 10 cm visual analogue scales. Our secondary endpoints were improvement in sexual function using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and patient-reported improvements in symptoms, sexual function and quality of life. Statistical analysis was performed with a Wilcoxon Signed Rank test. RESULTS: 26 patients were enrolled between February 2016 and August 2017. All patients were post-menopausal, 25 of whom had received anti-oestrogen therapy for their breast cancer. Questionnaire compliance was high (98%) and all patients received the three pre-planned treatments. There was significant improvement in each of the VVA symptoms: dryness (p < 0.001), itch (p < 0.001), burning (p = 0.003), dysuria (p < 0.001) and dyspareunia (p < 0.001). Patients also reported improvement in sexual function on the FSFI (p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients receiving vaginal laser had improvement in VVA symptoms and sexual function. Further randomised sham-controlled trials are needed to further assess this treatment.

The "Mini-Jupette" sling at the time of inflatable penile prosthesis implantation: Adequate treatment for erectile dysfunction with mild incontinence and/or climacturia after radical prostatectomy.

AIM: The usual morbidity after radical prostatectomy (RP) implies, the possible need for inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP). This study aims to validate the efficacy and safety of a sling called "Mini-Jupette" concomitantly with the implantation of an IPP that will counteract mild UI (<2 pads/day) associated or not with climacturia for patients resistant to non-invasive therapeutic approach. METHODS: We provide a detailed description with robust illustration of an original surgical technique. The method the criteria analyzed in the study and the statistical method. Retrospective data from 15 patients from 2006 to 2016 are detailed. RESULTS: Data about erectile function, continence before and after operation are documented for this cohort with mild incontinence (15pts - 100% - mean pad/day was 1.5, SD=0.6) and climacturia (6pts-40%). Mean age was 65.9 years (SD=6.3). There were no complications but 2 patients had dysuria and one patient present urinary retention requiring temporary bladder drainage. At 6 months, incontinence were objectively cured for 80% of patients and 2 patients (13%) improve their continence by a slight activation of the implant, the climacturia disappeared in 5 patients (82%). A telephone interview shows a good durability of the results. with a mean time of 107 months follow-up. CONCLUSION: Concomitant insertion of the "Mini-Jupette" sling during implantation of an IPP contributes reliably, safely and durably to the treatment of post-radical prostatectomy mild incontinence and/or climacturia. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Successful pregnancy outcome after septum resection and use of amnion graft in patient with high transverse vaginal septum.

A 20-year-old woman recently married presented to the outpatient department of the hospital, with primary amenorrhea and difficulty in having coitus. Her height was 155 cm, breast development was normal for age, and other secondary sexual characters seemed normal. On local examination, external genitalia was normal looking, and there was no vaginal discharge. She had a blind vagina of 2 cm length. The ultrasound showed a normal-sized uterus and ovaries seemingly normal. Hormonal profile comprising serum follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, prolactin and thyroid stimulating hormone were all within normal limits. Karyotyping was done, which showed a 46,XX pattern. The patient underwent vaginal surgery during which septum resection was done, and amnion grafting was performed to prevent stricture formation. The patient resumed successful coitus 3 months after surgery. There was no discomfort on coitus. She conceived 7 months later. Following this, the patient delivered a healthy baby boy through caesarean section at term.

Sexual Dysfunctions in Obese Women Before and After Bariatric Surgery.

BACKGROUND Obesity and associated comorbidities increase the probability of sexual disorders. The present study evaluated sexual satisfaction levels in obese women prior to and following bariatric surgery, utilizing the validated Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) to also evaluate the sexual satisfaction in obese and non-obese women. MATERIAL AND METHODS 60 obese women (mean initial BMI of 43.7±5.9 kg/m²; mean age of 41.7±10.8 years) were administered the questionnaire on sexual function (FSFI) preceding bariatric surgery (laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, 22 women; gastric plication, 33 women; and biliopancreatic diversion, 5 women), 6 months and 12 months after the procedure, i.e., following substantial weight reduction (final mean BMI of 35.5±5.5 kg/m²). The control group comprised 60 non-obese women (mean BMI of 22.2±1.9kg/m²; mean age of 36.4±10.7 years). RESULTS Our findings indicate that baseline sexual function in the preoperative obese females was significantly lower than in non-obese women, with p<0.01 in each domain. Data gathered at the 6- and 12-month points following the procedure indicated no significant difference. Before the procedure, 31 obese subjects (51.6%) exceeded the cutoff for FSD, at the 6-month evaluation point, 17 women (39.5%) exceeded the cutoff, and at 12 months postoperatively, 18 subjects (41.9%) exceeded the cutoff, indicative of FSD. Among the non-obese controls, only 9 subjects (15%) exceeded the cutoff threshold. CONCLUSIONS These findings show that substantive weight reduction resulting from bariatric surgery results in reduced sexual dysfunction in female subjects.

Resolution of Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) Among the Obese Multiethnic Malaysian Women Now a Reality with Bariatric Surgery: a Prospective Pilot Study in Malaysia.

INTRODUCTION: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) among the obese women is often under diagnosed and ignored especially in Malaysia, a nation of conservative multiethnic society. There are only a few studies on FSD resolution post-bariatric surgery. The objective was to identify the rate and resolution or improvement of FSD, among obese multiethnic Malaysian women post-bariatric surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a prospective study of women undergoing bariatric surgery, between May 2017 and April 2018. FSD was diagnosed using the Malay version of Female Sexual Function Index (MVFSFI) questionnaire. Patients filled up the questionnaire before and 6 months after surgery. Association between BMI reduction and FSFI score improvement was measured using Fisher's exact test. Outcomes between types of surgery (sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass) was compared. RESULTS: Fifty-two women completed the study. The mean age was 38.77 ± 6.7. There were 44 (84.6%) Malay patients, 7 (13.5%) Indian patients, and 1 (1.9%) Chinese patient. There was a significant reduction in mean BMI, 39.89 ± 6.9 pre-surgery to 30.32 ± 5.4 post-surgery (p value < 0.001). The rate of FSD among the obese is 75.0% pre-surgery compared to 36.0% post-surgery. There was a significant improvement in mean FSFI score pre- and post-surgery: 18.73 and 25.93 respectively and in each of all 6 domains (p value < 0.001). There was a significant association between BMI reduction and improvement in FSFI score (p = 0.019). There was no difference in outcomes between types of surgery. CONCLUSION: FSD is highly prevalent among the obese multiethnic Malaysian women. Bariatric surgery has proven benefit in resolving FSD across all sexual domains and should be considered as a management option in this group of women.